Industrial Liquid Coating & Paint Specialist

Keystone Distinction Group; Duluth (MN); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct-hire position

Shift differentials

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group is seeking an Industrial Liquid Coating & Paint Specialist in the Duluth, MN area. Position offers a direct-hire path with multiple shifts (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) and a starting wage of $23.00–$27.00 per hour plus shift differentials. This role involves surface prep, mixing coatings, and spray application on large steel structures.

Candidates need 1+ years of spray painting experience in industrial settings and must pass medical respirator clearance. U.S.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of liquid spray painting experience in heavy equipment manufacturing, industrial coatings, or auto body paint environments.
• Must pass medical respirator clearance and wear a respirator for extended periods.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (Green Card) required.

Responsibilities

• Surface preparation including sanding, masking, and chemical cleaning of large steel weldments and equipment components.
• Mix industrial liquid coatings, primers, and catalysts to precise specifications.
• Operate wet spray equipment and precision touch-up tools to apply durable finishes.
• Perform final product detailing including vinyl branding decals and graphics packages.
• Rig and position large steel structures using overhead cranes and forklifts inside paint booths.
• Maintain paint booth equipment and manage filters and consumables.

Skills

Liquid spray painting

Surface preparation

Industrial coatings

Safety & respirator use

Crane & forklift operation

Tools

Overhead cranes

Forklifts

Job description

Industrial Liquid Coating & Paint Specialist

$23.00 - $27.00/hr + Shift Premiums Duluth, MN / Superior, WI Area 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift Options Full-Time / Direct Hire

• Compensation & Earnings: Up to $27.00/hr starting rate based on experience, plus shift differentials (+$2.00/hr for 3rd shift) and overtime opportunities.
• Work Environment & Culture: Direct-hire seat with a global heavy equipment manufacturer featuring a family-oriented culture, modern facilities, and clear internal advancement paths.
• Schedule Flexibility: Multiple shift options, including 1st shift (flexible 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, or 8:00 AM starts), 2nd shift, and 3rd shift.
• Scope & Craftsmanship: Dynamic hands-on work applying durable protective coatings, mixing complex catalysts, and executing final decal detailing on large steel structures.
• Strict Requirements: U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (Green Card) required; 1+ years liquid spray experience and ability to pass medical respirator clearance.

If you are a detail-oriented painter who takes pride in top-tier craftsmanship, this direct-hire seat offers an exceptionally stable career home. Our client is a global leader in heavy equipment attachment manufacturing, serving essential construction, demolition, and scrap recycling sectors worldwide. Operating with a culture that celebrates quality work and long-term tenure, they provide a clean, modern shop floor where your surface prep and liquid coating skills directly drive the durability and aesthetic finish of massive industrial components.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Surface Preparation: Execute thorough surface prep, including professional sanding, masking, and chemical cleaning of large steel weldments and equipment components.
• Mixing & Chemical Control: Mix industrial liquid coatings, primers, and catalysts to precise specifications, managing flash times and pot life for corrosion protection.
• Spray Application: Operate wet spray equipment and precision touch-up tools to apply smooth, durable protective and aesthetic finishes without runs or sags.
• Product Detailing & Graphics: Perform final product detailing, including the precise placement and application of vinyl branding decals and graphic packages.
• Material Handling & Rigging: Operate overhead bridge cranes and forklifts to safely rig, transport, flip, and position large steel structures inside prep and paint booths.
• Booth Maintenance: Maintain paint booth equipment, managing filters, controlling consumables, and executing routine preventive maintenance.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Verifiable Spray Experience: 1+ years of liquid spray painting experience in heavy equipment manufacturing, industrial coatings, or auto body paint environments.
• Precision & Quality Eye: Strong eye for finishing aesthetics, precise chemical mixing ratios, and thorough surface prep techniques.
• Physical & Safety Standards: Ability to pass standard medical clearance and wear a respirator comfortably for extended periods while maneuvering large equipment.
• Material Handling Readiness: Experience operating—or full willingness to learn—overhead bridge cranes and industrial forklifts.
• Dependable Work History: A stable employment record demonstrating strong attendance, safety habits, and solid tenure with past employers.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Rigging Certification: Prior overhead crane rigging or forklift operator certification.
• Multi-Coat Systems: Experience applying multi-stage epoxy primers, polyurethane topcoats, or specialized rust-inhibiting industrial paints.
• Auto Body Refinishing: Background in automotive body prep, filler work, and high-finish paint blending.